I used the Kwik Sew unitard pattern as a base. I made a mock up, fit it to my form (for some reason the upper arms were REALLY loose. Just fyi to those using the pattern... and my biceps are not tiny), and marked where all the colored panels needed to go. I also had to compensate for the vinyl-coated spandex not stretching quite as much as normal spandex.

Satin-stitching the Phoenix on the chest was interesting... thank you again, Walking Foot of the Gods! Also, turning the corners at the tips of the gloves and boots was a huge pain in the ass.

For the shoes, I built the bottoms around a pair of high heels. There is a short zipper on the inside of each ankle- this allows me to insert the shoe, then actually get my foot in. The bottom of the shoe slipcovers have a patch of thick leather suede so I don't wear through them... or fall and bust my ass. You know how it goes.

Personal Thoughts:

I've been wanting to make Dark Phoenix for years now... but I knew I didn't want to use regular ol' spandex. I needed something awesome. Finally, I found it in the dregs of the L.A. fabric district, lol. Gorgeous, glossy, metallic vinyl coated spandex. It looks like sparkly automotive paint. I'M A CAR!

It is misery to wear for about the first 10 minutes, then my body seems to adjust to being covered in non-breathable vinyl from the neck down. Also, even though I put a thin cotton jersey lining in, I have to powder myself to get this on, then peel myself out of it like a banana when I'm done. Also, SHOWER IMMEDIATELY.